Five arrested in connection with an alleged arson in North Tyneside

Five young people have been arrested in connection with an arson in North Tyneside.

Just before 6pm yesterday (Tuesday), police received a report of a fire at a building on Milfield Avenue in Shiremoor.

It was reported a number of young people were seen entering the property – an unused care home – carrying substances believed to be accelerants.

Police and other blue light colleagues attended the scene, including Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and North East Ambulance Service.

Fire crews are still on scene to fully extinguish the fire which continues to smoulder. 

As a precaution, a number of residents from neighbouring properties were evacuated last night, but were permitted to return to their addresses soon after.

Several roads were closed whilst emergency services worked together to manage the fire however they have since re-opened.

Five people – aged between 12 and 20 – have been arrested on suspicion of arson and are currently in police custody.

Chief Inspector Sally Pallace, of Northumbria Police, said: “Firstly, I’d like to thank all the other agencies involved in the response to this fire. Together, we were able to ensure the incident was swiftly and safely controlled.

“A big additional thanks to the Salvation Army premises nearby who opened up their doors and ensured people had somewhere to go if they were displaced or evacuated from the events of last night.

“Any form of fire poses extreme dangers, but the dangers are totally unnecessary when we believe it has been started deliberately.

“Thankfully, nobody has been injured – and it’s extremely lucky we’re able to say that. We very easily could’ve been giving a very different update.”

Ch Inspector Pallace added: “We’ve launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, working with our partners, and the fast response means we’ve now got five young people in the cells.

“I would like to thank residents for their ongoing support as officers carry out a range of enquiries and would ask that anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

“An increased police presence will remain in the areas as officers carry out those enquiries and offer any reassurance to members of the public.”

If you have any information about this incident, you can get in touch with Northumbria Police by sending a private message on social media, visiting the live chat on their website or by completing a crime update form.

If you’re unable to contact us this way, you can call 101.